PRICE: $170 RELEASE: May 9, 2025 PURCHASE: Nike Sneaker culture thrives on stories, and few are as touching as the upcoming release of the Nike Air DT Max ’96 “Love Letter to Connie,” set to hit shelves on May 9, 2025. This vibrant, red-hot sneaker isn’t just a nod to style or performance—it’s a deeply personal homage from NFL legend and cultural icon Deion Sanders to his late mother, Connie Knight. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, the timing of this release amplifies its emotional resonance, making it a must-have for sneakerheads, Sanders fans, and anyone who values the power of family. The Story Behind the Sneaker Deion Sanders, known as “Prime Time” for his electrifying presence on the football field and baseball diamond, has always been vocal about the guiding force in his life: his mother, Connie. She was the cornerstone of his journey, from his youth in Fort Myers, Florida, to his Hall of Fame career and current role as head coach of the Univers...
We’re getting a fusion that should have happened a long time ago because it’s hard to believe that the Adidas Superstar and Stan Smith shoes have been released apart for so long. The combination is happening some 57 years later.
The Stan Smith line has been In Adidas’ line up since the 60’s borrowing the name of Legendary tennis player Stan Smith. Although he is seemingly forgotten now, his name lives on in every Stan Smith sold.
Stan Smiths have always differed from the Superstar by avoiding the iconic Three Stripes and compensating with three rows of perforations, but the aperture on the Stan Smiths is iconic in its own right.
On certain Stan Smiths, a sketched image of the tennis player is put on the tongue. Stan Smiths are their own thing in Adidas’ lineup, putting less emphasis on the company’s name and branding than their other sneakers.
The Superstar followed in 1969, this time featuring the iconic clam-shell toe design and using the upper leather of the Stan Smith. Introduced and promoted in the basketball scene, it was a hit as the first upper leather shoe. The clam-shell toe protection, skid-proof sole caught the eyes of many players such as Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar. Soon, 75% of the players used the Superstar.
The minimal design and technological offerings have kept the Superstar thriving up to this day. Though nowadays, the Superstar and Stan Smiths are worn more in a casual way than as premier sportswear. The minimal look and history have kept the brand going. And now the fusion, “Superstan” is banking on the history of both names and combination of the Superstar’s clam-shell toe and Stan Smith’s colorways.
Oh, and some of us will see Stan Smith for the first time. As an honorable thing, Adidas Originals has given Stan Smith some screen time in a recently shot film in the comfort of his home in Florida. Stan Smith speaks about his tennis achievements and iconic Adidas status with humorous undertones.
At a retail price of $120, the Adidas Superstan releases worldwide on February 1, on Adidas Originals Webstore.
Written By: Craig Volney